Seismic wavespeeds and attenuation in upper-mantle rocks: a laboratory study of the effect of partial melting. The influence of partial melting on the seismic properties of the Earth's upper mantle will be explored through a laboratory study. Synthetic rock specimens consisting of the upper-mantle mineral olivine and a small proportion of basaltic magma will be prepared and their grain-scale melt distribution will be characterised. The seismic properties of these materials will be measured at ....Seismic wavespeeds and attenuation in upper-mantle rocks: a laboratory study of the effect of partial melting. The influence of partial melting on the seismic properties of the Earth's upper mantle will be explored through a laboratory study. Synthetic rock specimens consisting of the upper-mantle mineral olivine and a small proportion of basaltic magma will be prepared and their grain-scale melt distribution will be characterised. The seismic properties of these materials will be measured at high temperatures and seismic frequencies with novel locally developed equipment. Comparison with melt-free equivalents will allow the influence of the added magma to be quantified, allowing robust interpretation of seismological models of Earth structure with implications for its chemical and dynamical evolution.Read moreRead less
The seismic signature of crustal fluids. Fluids are expected to profoundly modify the seismic properties of the cracked rocks of Earth's upper crust (to depths of about 15 km) but there are so far few relevant laboratory measurements. Through the development and application of novel experimental techniques we plan to build a better laboratory-based understanding of the seismic properties of fluid-saturated crustal rocks. The outcome will be an improved capacity to monitor the presence of fluid ....The seismic signature of crustal fluids. Fluids are expected to profoundly modify the seismic properties of the cracked rocks of Earth's upper crust (to depths of about 15 km) but there are so far few relevant laboratory measurements. Through the development and application of novel experimental techniques we plan to build a better laboratory-based understanding of the seismic properties of fluid-saturated crustal rocks. The outcome will be an improved capacity to monitor the presence of fluids in diverse situations ranging from geothermal power generation and waste disposal to earthquake fault zones. Read moreRead less
The Role of Hydrous Fluids in Fault Processes: An Experimental Study. The proposed project seeks to understand how hydrothermal reactions in fault zones affect various physical properties such as fault strength and permeability. The project will be conducted by performing high pressure experiments which simulate natural conditions. I will also develop new analytical techniques to characterize the microstructural evolution of faults, with a focus on understanding how any changes alter the hydrolo ....The Role of Hydrous Fluids in Fault Processes: An Experimental Study. The proposed project seeks to understand how hydrothermal reactions in fault zones affect various physical properties such as fault strength and permeability. The project will be conducted by performing high pressure experiments which simulate natural conditions. I will also develop new analytical techniques to characterize the microstructural evolution of faults, with a focus on understanding how any changes alter the hydrologic behaviour of the fault. This study will shed much needed information related to the mechanisms of earthquake nucleation, and to the formation mechanism of fault-hosted gold deposits.Read moreRead less
High-temperature Elastic Wave Speeds of Mantle Minerals and their Seismological Implications. Laboratory measurements of elastic wave speeds are critical for the interpretation of seismological models for the Earth's deep interior. During the past several years, research groups at ANU and Stony Brook University have separately been proving novel experimental techniques for measurement of the temperature dependence of elastic wave speeds. Now a timely collaboration is proposed in which we would ....High-temperature Elastic Wave Speeds of Mantle Minerals and their Seismological Implications. Laboratory measurements of elastic wave speeds are critical for the interpretation of seismological models for the Earth's deep interior. During the past several years, research groups at ANU and Stony Brook University have separately been proving novel experimental techniques for measurement of the temperature dependence of elastic wave speeds. Now a timely collaboration is proposed in which we would exploit access to similar temperature ranges under two very different pressure regimes to examine the mixed pressure-temperature dependence of wave speeds that is so critical for the inference of chemical composition, mineralogical make-up, and temperature variations within the Earth's mantle.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0775729
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,000.00
Summary
Improved understanding of nanoscale materials - structure, composition, crystallography and defects revealed by electron imaging and analysis at high spatial resolution. Modern materials scientists and engineers are driven by world-wide competition to develop new technology and manufactured devices. The trend has for some time been towards miniaturisation and one of the main challenges lies in effectively characterising nanostructures that are produced as a key step in research and development o ....Improved understanding of nanoscale materials - structure, composition, crystallography and defects revealed by electron imaging and analysis at high spatial resolution. Modern materials scientists and engineers are driven by world-wide competition to develop new technology and manufactured devices. The trend has for some time been towards miniaturisation and one of the main challenges lies in effectively characterising nanostructures that are produced as a key step in research and development of advanced materials. The proposed electron microscope and detectors will provide a state-of-the-art analytical facility to support the cross-disciplinary materials science and nanotechnology research at the Australian National University. It will also provide an important training facility for students and early-career researchers and will be available to investigators from other Australian institutions.Read moreRead less
Computational Rock Physics. Knowledge of the quantitative relationships between rock and fluid properties, and seismic characteristic is necessary to improve the determination of fluid saturation and accurately monitor recovery of oil and gas. The proposed project aims to develop these relationships by teaming up two Australian-based experts in 3D seismic image analysis and theoretical rock physics, with a global company at the forefront of the industry. Developing these relationships will be a ....Computational Rock Physics. Knowledge of the quantitative relationships between rock and fluid properties, and seismic characteristic is necessary to improve the determination of fluid saturation and accurately monitor recovery of oil and gas. The proposed project aims to develop these relationships by teaming up two Australian-based experts in 3D seismic image analysis and theoretical rock physics, with a global company at the forefront of the industry. Developing these relationships will be a cutting edge research achievement, will directly impact on exploration, interpretation and production decisions within the oil and gas industry in Australia and globally, and greatly advance Australia's reputation as a leader in petroleum research services and training.Read moreRead less